“Unknown to them (policemen), the gang of hoodlums had laid ambush and opened fire on the patrol team, upon arrival at the scene.

“In the ensued gun-battle, one of the hoodlums was shot dead and a policeman was also fatally wounded (killed).

“As the gun-battle raged, the hoodlums, who came with three vehicles, were overpowered by the police team and they ran away with two of their operational vehicles, including the corpse of their dead gang member, leaving behind a Gulf 3 car and one FNC rifle.”

Rivers police spokesman also stated that investigation into the robbery would continue, in order to apprehend escaped members of the gang.